Good morning, Memphis! Itโs a fantastic day to be in our vibrant city as we kick off Elvis Week today, August 9. Fans from all over the globe are set to fill the streets, celebrating the legendary King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. If youโre not keen on navigating through the buzzing Graceland area, you might want to check out a list of events happening throughout the week. The festivities start with a tribute artist showcase thatโs sure to get everyone in a festive mood.
In addition to the Elvis happenings, food lovers should make a beeline to Millington this morning for a sweet treat! The 2KC Cookie Co. is having its grand opening, and rumor has it that breakfast cookies are all the rage. Youโll definitely want to get some of that fresh cookie goodness. And over at the East Memphisโ Officer Geoffrey Redd Branch Library, a huge party is slated to celebrate its impressive 60 years of service. A piece of history right in our neighborhood!
If youโre a sports fan, youโll be interested to know that our very own Memphis Grizzlies superstar, Ja Morant, will be celebrating his 25th birthday this Saturday. Grab your jerseys and show your appreciation for this crowd-pleaser! For those looking for a little quirky fun, how about taking a trip down nostalgia lane at the Skol-astic Book Fair? Itโs just like the book fairs from school, but this time, with some cold drinks! And hey, you might catch our very own local author, Holly Whitfield, there promoting her latest book, 100 Things to Do in Memphis.
As night falls, the Memphis Redbirds will be stepping up to the plate as the Memphis Red Sox to celebrate the historic Black baseball community in the city. Itโs sure to be an exciting game filled with pride and fun, and our To-Do List has plenty more options for weekend plans if youโre still looking for something to do!
Now, letโs dive into some news that might catch your interest. It seems like the old โget out of jail freeโ card from Monopoly isnโt such a joke after all. Frederick Agee, the district attorney in Tennesseeโs 28th judicial district, recently shared some insights about bail processes that might amaze you. Typically, when folks are in jail, theyโre expected to pay a certain percentage – usually around 10% – of their bail to bonding companies to be released. But it turns out those companies can charge much less than that, thanks to state law. This has led to some inconsistencies and lack of accountability for bonding companies when defendants donโt show up for court.
The Daily Memphian did a little digging and found five local bonding companies that are offering these lower rates. One of the companies, Tiger Bonding, shared their perspective through Vice President Andrew Banyon, who stated that these reduced costs often become the only option for defendants. Itโs a sobering situation where families have to leverage their wages or property as collateral just to help their loved ones out of jail.
Are you in need of a last-minute getaway from Memphis? Well, youโre in luck! You can ditch the countless hours youโd spend rummaging through various travel sites to find the best deals. Instead, check out the new online hub called FlyMyAirport, which connects you to all your options leaving from Memphis International Airport (MEM) at the click of a button. Not only can you easily book flights, but you can also find hotels and rental cars, all while you sip your coffee. How convenient is that?
Speaking of closures, weโve heard that three downtown restaurants have closed recently. However, one is making a comeback! Itโs always encouraging to see our local dining scene evolving, so keep an eye out for more options soon. And if youโre craving late-night greasy tacos, weโve got a hot tip on a spot that will satisfy your cravings!
As we round up this morningโs news, itโs heartening to see our community engage in so many wonderful activities this weekend. Whether youโre soaking in the Elvis vibes, cheering on our Grizzlies or Redbirds, munching on delicious cookies, or planning your next vacation, Memphis clearly has something for everyone. Enjoy this fabulous Friday, and letโs make the most of what our lovely city has to offer!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
